What is a Doula?
An IMPACT doula provides continuous non-medical, emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person and their family before, during, and after childbirth, acting as a guide and advocate but not a medical professional. They help with comfort measures like massage, breathing, and positioning; offer education on labor stages and options; support partners; assist with breastfeeding; and help families navigate decisions to create a positive birth experience, regardless of the setting or medical interventions used. ​
Who Is A Doula For?
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Expecting Parents Seeking Support
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Partners
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Individuals Aiming for Specific Birth Experiences​
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High-Risk Individuals​
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Families
​The IMPACT OF DOULAS
Lower Odds of Induction:
48% lower chance of labor induction and 31% less likely to use Pitocin.
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Less Pain Medication:
12% to 15% less likely to use pharmacological pain relief, including epidurals.
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Improved Neonatal Health:
Up to 4 times lower risk of a low birthweight baby.
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Mental Health Support:
Up to 57.5% lower odds of postpartum depression or anxiety.
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Higher Breastfeeding Rates:
Increased initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding.
Reduced Interventions & C-Sections:
Studies show 39%–52.9% lower odds of cesarean delivery.
Reduced Labor Time:
Doula-supported births have shorter labor times (e.g., 14h 51min vs. 19h 38min).
Cost-Effectiveness and Safety:
Doula care can save an average of $986 per birth in associated healthcare costs.
Improved Maternal Care:
Doula-supported mothers were more likely to attend postpartum check-ups (61.5% vs. 35.9%)
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Reduced Maternal Complications:
Studies indicate up to 2 times lower risk of birth complications.
Understanding the Needs and Demands of the Profession
24/7 Life
Being on-call requires a high degree of flexibility. Doulas often have to rearrange their schedules, cancel plans, and adapt to unexpected situations. This flexibility is essential to providing the continuous support that is the hallmark of doula care.
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Doulas need to be prepared at all times, with a bag packed and ready to go. This includes having essentials like snacks, water, comfortable clothing, and any tools they use during labor, such as massage oils or birthing balls.
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Balancing the on-call lifestyle with personal life can be challenging. Doulas must find ways to manage their time effectively, ensuring they are well-rested and able to provide their best care while also maintaining their own well-being.
Feel All The Feels
The emotional labor of being a doula involves intentionally managing emotions to provide continuous reassurance, encouragement, and calm presence, acting as an "emotional sanctuary" for clients. Doulas must hold space for intense vulnerability, navigate high-stakes birth environments, and often conceal their own emotional reactions to maintain a supportive atmosphere, which is deeply rewarding but mentally taxin
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Doulas manage the intense fear, pain, and anxiety of clients, acting as a steady, patient presence while offering validation.
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Doulas proactively manage clients' emotions during childbirth, encouraging confidence and creating a positive, empowered experience even when birth plans change.​
Dependable
Being on-call requires a high degree of flexibility. Doulas often have to rearrange their schedules, cancel plans, and adapt to unexpected situations. This flexibility is essential to providing the continuous support that is the hallmark of doula care.
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Doulas need to be prepared at all times, with a bag packed and ready to go. This includes having essentials like snacks, water, comfortable clothing, and any tools they use during labor, such as massage oils or birthing balls.
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Balancing the on-call lifestyle with personal life can be challenging. Doulas must find ways to manage their time effectively, ensuring they are well-rested and able to provide their best care while also maintaining their own well-being.
Let's Get Physical!
Labor can last for many hours, sometimes even days. Doulas need physical endurance to provide continuous support throughout the entire process.
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Supporting a laboring person often involves being on your feet for extended periods, applying physical comfort measures, and remaining alert through long hours. Maintaining physical fitness and health is important to meet these demands.
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Every birth is different, and doulas must be adaptable to various environments and needs. Whether it’s providing a soothing touch, assisting with movement and positioning, or advocating for the client’s wishes, doulas must be ready to respond to whatever the situation requires.​
Librarian of Resources
To provide the best care, doulas must be knowledgeable about the birthing process, pain management techniques, and the latest evidence-based practices. Continuous learning is a vital part of being an effective doula.
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Becoming a doula typically involves completing a training program that covers topics like prenatal care, labor support, postpartum care, and more. Many doulas also pursue certification through recognized organizations.
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The field of maternal health is constantly evolving, and doulas must stay updated on new research, techniques, and best practices. This might involve attending workshops, conferences, or continuing education courses.
We Got Your Back
Doulas often serve as a bridge between the birthing person and the medical team, helping to ensure that their client’s wishes are respected and understood.
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Doulas need strong communication skills to listen to their clients’ needs, advocate for their preferences, and facilitate clear communication with healthcare providers.
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A key part of a doula’s role is to empower their clients by providing information and helping them make informed decisions about their care. This involves advocating for the client’s wishes and ensuring they feel heard and supported.
At Your Cervix
Above all, being a doula requires a deep commitment to serving others. The desire to support, uplift, and empower birthing individuals and their families is at the heart of this profession and to SHOW up for a birth even if Beyonce comes into town for her concert.
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A successful doula is driven by a passion for birth work and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the childbirth experience. This commitment shines through in the care and attention they provide to each client.
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Many doulas are also involved in broader efforts to improve maternal health outcomes, such as advocacy for reproductive justice, participation in community health initiatives, and support for marginalized communities.
What A Doula Does NOT Do
No Medical Care:
They cannot diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, or provide clinical assessments.
No Decision-Making:
They do not make choices for the birthing person, act as the sole voice for the client, or pressure them into specific choices.
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No Medical Procedures:
They do not perform vaginal exams or monitor baby heart tones.
No Partner Replacement:
They do not take over the partner's role, but rather support the partner in their role.
They do not "go to battle" with medical staff, but rather facilitate communication.
Being a doula is a demanding yet incredibly fulfilling career. It requires flexibility, emotional and physical resilience, a commitment to ongoing education, and a deep passion for supporting families. For those who are drawn to this path, the rewards are profound, as they play a vital role in one of life’s most transformative experiences.
